Actions Recommended to Make the Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act More Effective

A followup review was made of the Secretary of State's implementation of recommendations made in 1975, which were designed to strengthen the administration of the Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act of 1966. The act prohibits U.S. Government employees from soliciting gifts and decorations from foreign governments and discourages the acceptance of unsolicited gifts and decorations. Where refusal might embarrass the donor or adversely affect U.S. foreign relations, the item(s) may be accepted. They may be retained by the individual if less than $50 in value; if their value is more than $50, they must be turned over to the Government.